A Window into Fall Activities PHOTOS by LEAH WRIGHT / SALT DRIFTER PRODUCTIONS
Gathering, Foraging, Baking, Festivals, and Photography by ALANA OWEN As the seasons shift and the inevitable changes come upon us, our focus also changes from outdoor warm-weather activities to indoor events, hobbies, friends, family gatherings, and fall festivals. In California our seasons were not quite so dramatic compared to Oklahoma; however, I have learned to embrace and even enjoy the cooler temperatures we experience in Oklahoma. My relocation has even prompted new interests and hobbies. For instance, foraging and baking the goodies I gather. Oklahoma fall brings us those wonderful wild persimmons and pecans. What a marvelous mix the two ingredients make, especially when combined with farm fresh eggs and home harvested honey: the makings of “A Taste of Oklahoma”, my own unique cookie recipe. Even my husband, one of the individuals who mows state highways for a living, has found a new appreciation for what he refers to as nuisance shrubs (wild persimmon trees). Years ago, I ran across an old farmstead with a beautiful orchard of fruit trees surrounding the house. The pears and apples were falling on the ground and many of those that remained on the trees were partially ravished by birds and other creatures. I decided to knock on the door and offer to barter in exchange for picking some apples and pears. The homeowner, Ruby, was sitting inside with a TV in the background while knitting something that was not yet identifiable. Ruby motioned
30 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2021
for me to come in, so I opened the door. She asked me to sit down and visit, which I was glad to oblige. Ruby introduced herself and continued to talk as if we had been long friends just meeting up again. Ruby shared her life story and that of the old home where she resided. I introduced myself to Ruby as her neighbor and said that I would love to harvest some of her apples and pears in return for jams and sauces. Two weeks after that initial meeting I returned to Ruby’s house with apple and pear jam, along with a dozen farm fresh eggs. From that point on, Ruby and I became good friends. One year I entered one of her knitted animals and a potholder in the local County Fair; both won first place. A short time later, one of Ruby’s family members came to my home to advise me of her passing. I was heartbroken. Today my own apple and pear trees are producing nicely in a small orchard at my own ranch. Each year I pick them, I smile in thankfulness and think of my friend Ruby and all the seasons we passed visiting in her living room. If you are seeking ideas for your own fall fun beyond the annual festivals, consider making a “Fall Bucket List.” Friend and neighbor Leah Wright came by my home to do a photography session for my article and shared her love of a hobby that recently turned professional. Leah, who moved to Oklahoma a year and a half ago for her daughter’s surgery, said she loves fall photography primarily for all the foliage picture opportunities. Leah is planning to travel to North Carolina this fall for a photography gig and some fun.
